Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is taking time because we are dealing with two hugely significant issues in respect of Brexit and the formation of a Northern administration. They are connected in the sense both issues affect how people position themselves. We have agreed with the broad approach of the Government insisting on no hard Border and trying to minimise damage in east-west relationships. I refer also to the related issue of protecting the Good Friday Agreement and not having direct rule.

There are a number of ways in which I think we need to change. To pick up what Deputy Martin said, it is important the Taoiseach starts talking to all the political players in the North. We need to protect the Good Friday Agreement but not freeze it in aspic as if it has served all the purposes we want. I was interested to read Mr. Mark Durkan yesterday make the point that the way the First Minister and deputy First Minister are appointed is sectarian in nature. My colleague, Mr. Steven Agnew, MLA, has been very consistent in calling for a wider constitutional review of how the Good Friday Agreement and institutions are working. It is a real pity the Government has not brought other parties into this whole process, including our own which has representation here, in the North, in Holyrood and in Westminster. We bring a broad non-sectarian view.

See this speech in context